Autochair supports new disabled driving assessment suite

Vehicle adaptation specialist Autochair has given its backing toEast Anglian DriveAbility’s new assessment suite at an open day at its Wakes Colne site.

Health professionals, voluntary organisations and members of the public joined Sue Rogers from the Department for Transport and CEO of Driving Mobility UK, Edward Trewhella, at the official opening of the new facility.

Autochair held a series of demonstrations of its hoist range to show how easily scooters and wheelchairs can be transported with the right equipment.

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East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD) is one of 17 accredited mobility assessment centres across the UK which offer professional assessment, information, advice and recommendations for drivers with medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive.

Also, attending the event was quadruple amputee and disability rights campaigner, Helen Dolphin MBE. Dolphin, an ambassador for Autochair, said: “The event was a great success and a true celebration of driver assessment centres which offer a fantastic service to those with declining mobility. In the current economy, people are losing disability allowances and vehicles. This event showcased the best of cost-effective alternatives for staying mobile.

Meanwhile, Jules Allen, Autochair’s sales and marketing director, said: “It has been a really uplifting occasion. People are often anxious about approaching the subject of driving with a disability. But today has shown that these driving assessment centres want to keep people behind the wheel for as long as possible. With the right equipment and advice there’s no reason why most people can’t enjoy the open road for years after a diagnosis.”